Can you thank your body for something she’s done for you today? Your body can hear you and (as ‘woo woo’ as it may sound) she deserves to hear your gratitude. Is there one thing you can thank your body for? Post below if you like 💖 #bodygratitude#bodyacceptance#bodykindness#bodyneutrality

From my blog post coming tomorrow
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Now I have to look at those pictures differently. I have to really see the sadness in the eyes of the girl in the before picture and the exhaustion in the face of the girl in the after photo. I have to recognize that the diet cult gave me a warped perception of what it takes to love my body and what it takes to call myself successful at being healthy
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The diet culture cult tells you which of these photos is more beautiful but it’s just not true. Happy is not in either of these pictures
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#dietculture#bodypositive#bodyacceptance#fuckthediet#happiness#cult#beforeandafter#blogpost

The weight on the scale is like a well intentioned friend.
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They may not always give you accurate advice, but they will make sure you know when you’re doing too much.
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This increase is not associated with a negative state for me.
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I exercised and cooked my food instead of ordering out and binge eating.
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It’s a win and now it’s time to win more.

The thing is though, I really COULD NOT CARE LESS whether you find my body attractive.
My love for my body does not centre around you liking what I look like - it doesn’t even centre around me liking what I look like.
My love for my body centres around the way it has cared for me and kept me alive through the most difficult times and the greatest risks I took.
My love for my body centres around the fact that it does it’s best to help me achieve everything I want to achieve every single day.
The way I love my body is built on the fact that she is recovering from the years of trauma I put her through and when, after all the time I silenced her, she asks for what she needs/wants, there’s no way I’m not listening.

Body Positivity Part One: Body Acceptance 💪🏽
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I am by no means an expert when it comes to body acceptance. I’ve spent most of my life deeply discouraged when I have failed to follow a healthy diet or keep up with a workout regimen. I constantly belittled my worth because I didn’t have the “perfect” body that mainstream media consistently glorifies. .
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I was super apprehensive about posting this picture. Although I’ve come a long way with being kinder to my body and feeling comfortable in my skin, body acceptance is something I still need to practice and be mindful of.
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Body positivity shouldn’t start once you’ve reached a goal weight or a certain pant/dress size. I know it’s hard to shake off that mindset, but it’s important to love the body you’re currently in and be thankful for all that it has done for you. Today I’m sharing my thoughts about overall body acceptance in my stories and hope those that struggle with their body image find it helpful. || #bodypositivity#bodyacceptance#selflove#bodyimage#allbodiesaregoodbodies#latergram#hujicam

“Hey Alex, I’m down 2 lbs this week, thank you so much!”⁣
“Down 5 lbs! I didn’t even know this was possible”⁣
“ thank you! I’m down 1lbs and so happy with myself, I love the group it really keeps me going “ ⁣
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All messages I got this morning as our weekly accountability weigh ins come in ♥️♥️♥️ ⁣
I also got a message thanking me for sharing my “real mom bod”. Someone told me it made them feel better about theirs ♥️ ladies ... rock YOUR bods, whatever kind they are ✨
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I love this job 😍✨

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I am sick of living in fear. I am sick of worrying about what people think about me.
Why should I care? Why should I give them the time of day?
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I want to live my best life. I want to create good memories that I’ll cherish forever.
If I dwell on negativity and the “what-ifs” in life, I sure as hell won’t be able to live a life of love and happiness.
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My goal is to challenge myself. Push myself out of my comfort zone because THAT is where I will find confidence. That is where I will embrace who I am the most.
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I’m starting with what I wear. That is HUGE when learning to accept your body. I have always said that I will never ever wear high-waisted pants because I “didn’t have the body” to “pull them off.”
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My dear, if you got legs, a waist and a torso, you can wear freaking high-waisted pants. You can wear anything you choose. NOBODY else’s opinion matters.
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So I bought a pair. And I rocked them. And I will continue to rock them until the day I die.
Trust me, I was nervous. Especially tucking in my shirt and allowing every curve to be seen. But it was also so liberating. So FREEING.
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Self-doubt bubbled and negativity appeared at times but I counteracted those thoughts and put them to rest. I reminded myself that life is more than what I wear. More than what my body looks like. And that my worth would NEVER be determined by my outward appearance.
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So challenge yourself. Take risks. Push yourself to embrace your full potential. This is your ONLY life you guys... why waste it on worry, self-doubt and on other people? Find your confidence. Respect yourself. Love endlessly. And do whatever the hell your heart and soul desire 💕💕
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#loveyourself#foodfreedom#selflove#selfworth#momsofinstagram#selfesteem#intuitiveeating#healthateverysize#haes#bodypositive#eatingdisorderrecovery#edrecovery#mentalhealth#mentalhealthawareness#bodylove#bodyacceptance#morethanabody#normalizeallbellies#bopo#foodie#healthylifestyle#confidence#positivevibes#selfconfidence#love#highwaistedjeans#positivity#antidiet#goals#sunflower

Just a cute boy and his dog...
We were just reminiscing last night about the day we used to dream about having two little Frenchy’s sitting with us on the couch as we watch TV. It’s so amazing and I’m so thankful to see all of it come full circle. God has been so great and so kind and so merciful to us for all the blessings he has given us over the years.
Our 11 year relationship has come so far and it’s only the beginning. I am so thankful for this man and All he does for family.
I’d love for you to share something that has come full circle in your life and what it’s Brock to you.
He had no idea I took this picture... 💕

Week 2...day 8/42. Step ain’t getting any easier. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of today. I performed better but the workout was hard as hell too! I’m super excited I improved in the 3 “transformer” moves we do to compare our weekly progress. I felt better on the step for the first 12 minutes I was killing it. Then the last 8 min I was dying lol. Super excited to crush week 2!

Today is your last day to enter our model search competition! 😱
If you want the chance to star in the next @swimweargalore photoshoot, win a modelling contract with @nonairbrushedmemanagement plus receive a $250 Swimwear Galore gift card, enter now!
To enter, take these 3 easy steps:
1. Snap a pic in your favourite swimsuit
2. Share it with pride on Instagram & tag @swimweargalore, @nonairbrushedmemanagement and hashtag #sgxnammodelsearch
3. Tell us in the caption why you would love to model for us! .
**Must be available for photoshoot in Melbourne 30/01/19 (open Australia wide, flights & travel cost covered). Your profile needs to be on public to be eligible, as we can’t see entries on private accounts. Entries close 22/01/19. Full T&C’s are on our website.**

When I let go of the idea that I had to love my stretch marks--had to love every bit of my body--I found the freedom to accept them. Listen, I don't love my stretch marks. But I have them and I'm okay with it. I don't care if someone sees them because they're nothing to be ashamed of. ⁣
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80% of women have them. Usually because of pregnancy. And there's no better reason to embrace them. My stretch marks are proof my body created and nourished children. Maybe your stretch marks show the hard work of immense weight loss. Or maybe adulthood came to you with rapid growth spurts, causing your skin to tear as it kept pace with your muscles and bones. ⁣
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They're not going away. And I think it's time social medial, Hollywood, and the fashion industry represent the majority of women. When you're constantly confronted with images of perfectly smooth, taut fifteen-year-old bodies and told that's how you should look as a middle-aged mother, you begin to think your body isn't normal.⁣
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Isn't okay. ⁣
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I'm telling you...your body is beautiful. Stretch marks, cellulite, belly rolls, and all. It's normal. It's acceptable. ⁣
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You don't have to love it. But you'll never find peace until you accept it. And understand that not one part of your body defines you. Nothing about the way you look gives you value or worth. ⁣
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Have you made peace with your body?⁣
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1 of 4, the body, an experience of working to understand and accept the self. A series that took a lot of self reflection in itself as I have never been comfortable with my body, this is not me nor are any of the bodies featured in these works. I was in a very dark place in my life when I started these works and I physically was repulsed at myself and every small mark, spot, and difference. The thought of a naked human body made me uncomfortable and shameful toward myself and my appearance. Truly I would pick apart all of my flaws and only focus on the “perfections” of others. It took working through projects like this to understand and accept the imperfections of the body as art. I have always appreciated imperfection in art as what makes it special to the artist and allows for interpretation, and it gave me time to understand that the body is a work and it is beautiful differences and imperfections included. #instagramart#artistsoninstagram#artinlife#bodyacceptance#bodypositive#figuredrawing#artseries#nudedrawing#study#oilpastel#blue#art#drawing#artists#artistsofinstagram#instaart#art#serieswork#thebody

Balancing COLLEGE & SELF-CARE
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📚When I began my college journey, my school put a large amount of emphasis on eating enough food, getting enough sleep, and checking in with yourself before committing to doing things.
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👩🏽‍💻Personally, when I’m really busy, I often forget to take breaks for meals, and stay up very late to make the most out of my day. In doing that, I have learned that when I get an adequate amount of food and sleep, I get far more done in a shorter amount of time.
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👯‍♀️I also find it difficult to turn down invitations solely because I’d like some time for myself. In my mind, it doesn’t seem like a good enough reason. This can be REALLY difficult when you’re surrounded by hundreds of new faces, all of which you want to make your very best impression on. ⠀⠀
🍨Even when I know I’d rather be at home, in bed, eating ice cream, reading a book, I often convince myself that I will be better liked if I go out like everyone else. This is all a learning process. Sometimes I go beyond my limit, and learn from those experiences.
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🙆🏽‍♀️We tend to ignore the fact that our body is what makes doing all of these things possible. Our body enables us to do the tasks that we want and need to do every single day.
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😴We will not be able to complete a full day of classes, work, rehearsals, studying, or socializing without taking care of ourselves first. ⠀⠀
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😁There are certain things that I do in my daily schedule that make me feel my best. Even though it’s difficult, I try to respect my boundaries and stand up for myself in situations when other people are pressuring me to go beyond what I am comfortable doing.
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🍱For example, when I am tired after a long day and some friends ask me to go out for dinner, reply with a rain check as opposed to ignoring my body’s signal that it’s exhausted and has had enough for today.
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↘️The bottom line is that you have important things to do: study, socialize, rehearse, attend classes, etc. ⠀⠀
BUT all of those things come AFTER getting adequate amounts of sleep, food, and any other self-care practices you utilize.
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🧘🏽‍♀️How are you balancing work, college, or school with self care, sleep, and food? 🍿

New blog up on my website! (Link in bio)
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"I’m not a dietitian, personal trainer, or any kind of health and fitness expert. I’m not a psychologist, although I do have a bachelor's degree in psychology, so that must mean something, right? But I do know a lot about body positivity simply because I’ve walked through the darkness of self-hatred and have come out the other side with a new perspective on body image, self-love, and what it means to have “body positivity.”
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Since I’ve entered the body positivity space I’ve noticed there seems to a lot of right and wrong way to do things but I think the approach body positivity should be as individual as our bodies. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay! Do it your way.
#30daysofselflove#bodypositivityforeveryone

Mood of the day: noooodles 🍜🍜🍜 The weather in Pittsburgh has a windchill below 0 degrees, so naturally I am carb loading because cold weather makes me want all of the noodles, potatoes, and bread. These foods are warm & comforting, and it makes me so sad that our current low carb diet culture tells us to fear them. Food is so much more than nutrients - it’s culture, it’s taste, it’s emotion, it’s gathering with people you love. Here is your permission to decouple carbs & calories from fear.
Having off from classes gives me some time to do activities I genuinely enjoy today, and I’m very thankful for that 🌿 I hope everyone has a beautiful Monday 🌿

SO IMPORTANT💖
Fat women, you matter. Fat PEOPLE. You matter. Eating disorder or not, you matter.
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I can not deny my privilege when it comes to my body. No matter how unhappy I am with it.
That’s why I want to start using my platform to highlight women in marginalized bodies so that they too can have their voices heard.
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Today on the podcast, I’ve asked plus-sized stylist and self love coach, Luddy Figueroa(@thefoulmouthedfashionista) to join me in a conversation specifically about why “FAT” should not be a bad word!
“Fatphobic sounds bad,” she says, “but that’s how our society is. They do not want to see fat women glow. In fact, they don’t want to see them at all.”
We also hit on some super important topics such as the unbalanced modeling industry, health at any size, and more.
Luddy is so fun and this episode is incredibly important.
The link to the podcast(episode 16) is in my bio!💗🎙🎧

Post numero ✌🏼 for #pmamondays 🤗 There are so many mindset books, audiobooks etc. with content that includes things like learning to give less of a fuck and not caring what others think of you. Caring too much about what people think of you is what holds most of us back in life. It’s stops us from doing the things we most desire in life and it boxes us off into comfort zones. I made the mistake of always trying to live up to the expectations of others and always wanting people to like me, but it meant I was doing way too much and it lead to me suffering with social anxiety, despite being a confident gal. You cannot change the opinion of what other people think of you and to be honest, it’s really none of your business anyways. When you realise these things and start to realise that your opinion of yourself is the only one that matters, then you will start to feel a sense of freedom✨ Free from overthinking, free from feeling less than and free from the fear of being judged. Try to become more aware of yourself doing this & empower yourself to give less of a fuck☺️

Whenever someone messages me saying “I wish I had your confidence” I always like to respond with the fact that I used to be the most self-conscious person ever for the majority of my life.
My lack of confidence was one of the biggest reasons I always tried to shrink my body.
To hopefully become ‘more confident’. It took me years to understand that confidence doesn’t magically appear when you change your body.
For me, it was quite the opposite. I became even less confident and more self-conscious, because I felt as if my entire self worth was attached to my body.
The pressure to keep my body small was all consuming. There was no confidence to be seen 🧐
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For me, I’ve come to realize that confidence is something that comes with time, by doing things outside your comfort zone over and over and over.
By trying to care less about what other people think of you and more about what YOU think of you, over and over and over. 🤗
It took practice, a whole lot of positive self talk and always having faith in myself that I am enough just as I am. ❤️
You know that cheesy saying “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”?
I’ve found this to be very true for me and I know it will be for you, too 😘
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#ownitbabe#beachday#bodyconfidence

Me alot: 'I feel fat' erm April... FAT IS NOT A FEELING! 🤔
I've been doing alot of reading on diet culture and the negative impact it has on mental health and body image.
Made me realise how out of tune I am with my bodies natural hunger. I'm asking myself why?
Why do I eat to the clock/macros?
Why am I scared of being fat?
Why do I fear people thinking I'm unhealthy?
Is that alI have to define me?
I no longer want to be the one known for her 'willpower, dedication, healthy lifestyle' blah blah blah... Meh! Done! I can be happy at any size, Any shape and preferably eating a doughnut!
After 10 years....Goodbye diet world. Fuck you 🖕
#bodypositive#bodypositivemovement#antidiet#dietculture#intuativeeating#foodfreedom#selflove#loveyourself#bodyconfidence#bodyacceptance#myjourney#selfdiscovery

Okay, so I DID IT! I touched on myself while meditating for 5 days straight 🧘🏾‍♀️🤫 Yep, you read correctly. Our bodies crave touch and it’s essential for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. As someone that adores meditation and views it as a necessity for my sanity, I was really excited to try this new practice of mindful moisturizing and it’s now apart of my consistent #selflove routine.
I had the honor and privilege of partnering with @healthline to introduce this powerful technique and I’m excited to share my personal experience with all of you. Check out the article I wrote for Healthline at the link here: https://bit.ly/2RN8jll / in my bio on my 5 day journey with mindful moisturizing, along with a few tips on how you can try it too!

I decided to workout without music this week.... here’s why.
When we have a banging beat to get us through... we aren’t listening. We aren’t in the burn.... in the challenge... In the CHANGE.
All that uncomfort... its there for a reason. When things we get all into our minds
And ALLLL THAT CHATTER starts!
And with the distractions of music (or what ever) we aren’t witnessing what our thought are telling us about ourselves
We aren’t seeing our selves
Our beliefs
Our upper limits
Our bullshit stories
I think it’s this way with food too...
When we eat without being present
When we over “comfort” ourselves in the name of selflove or anything else
We aren’t seeing the things
So it’s time for me (and YOU) to sit with the chatter, sit with the thoughts... and feel into the burn so that we can HEAL all of the habits that don’t serve us
Heal the excuses
Heal the fear
Heal the funky food behaviors
Heal the body AND the mind
Find out it’s ok to JUST sit with that part of you
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Cart to get THE emotional eating masterclass for ONLY $22 closes tomorrow and you won’t see it at this price EVER again so get in my DM!

My souls mission is for me to speak my truth,own it, and shine my light in hopes that through my vulnerability I can help you shine yours!
Period.
It doesn’t matter what you do in this world, as long as you show up in a place of love and light, you’re sending that out in to the universe to heal yourself and others.
Every single decision I have made,path I have traveled on,every high and every low has lead me to my spiritual expansion and awakening.
Nothing has been more clear than the decision I have made to show up in service to others by doing angel card readings.
I have prayed and... They have heard my requests.
They have given me guidance.
They have spoken to me.
They have shown themselves to me.
They have guided me full circle back into the hands of angel card decks time and time again and this pattern is something that I refuse to ever place on a back burner again!
They have specifically lead me to do readings to give you love,healing,guidance and support.
I am an angel card reader and I will forever own this truth!
What is YOUR TRUTH?! Are you OWNING IT?